In a quiet corner of Elsternwick, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum is hosting an exhibition that speaks volumes about courage, compassion, and survival. Running through May 2025, “Hidden: Seven Children Saved” invites Melburnians to explore the remarkable true stories of seven Holocaust survivors who were once hidden from Nazi persecution—and who later made Melbourne their home.

This isn’t just a historical display. It’s a deeply personal journey into the lives of children who overcame the darkest chapter of the 20th century with the help of strangers who risked everything.

What Is the “Hidden Exhibition” About?

“Hidden: Seven Children Saved” brings to life the stories of Jewish children who were rescued during the Holocaust by being concealed in basements, convents, farms, and forests across war-torn Europe. Each story is uniquely told through powerful imagery, personal belongings, video interviews, and interactive displays.

The exhibition is part of the Melbourne Holocaust Museum’s commitment to preserving survivor testimonies for future generations. Many of these survivors later built new lives in Melbourne, contributing to the city’s vibrant multicultural fabric.

As the Museum’s Chief Curator explains:

“These stories highlight the bravery of rescuers and the resilience of children. We want every Melburnian to know that these are not distant tales—they’re part of our city’s living history.”

Why It Matters for Melbourne Today – Hidden Exhibition

The city of Melbourne maintains a significant survivor population of Holocaust survivors that ranks among the highest worldwide next only to Israel. The showcase reveals worldwide historical records alongside showcasing Melbourne’s cultural background and social identity.

The current spread of false information across the Internet coerces us to remember both the perils of hatred and the necessity of supporting our fellow beings.

The exhibition resonates deeply with educational leaders and community members to create Melbourne as an inclusive city upheld through historical education and empathy practices.

Educational Impact – A Must-Visit for Victorian Schools

One of the key strengths of the Hidden exhibition is its strong focus on education. Designed with school groups in mind, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum provides:

• Guided educational tours aligned with the Victorian curriculum
  
• Age-appropriate resources for Year 6 to Year 12 students
  
• Survivor talks and virtual storytelling sessions
  
• Teacher training workshops on how to teach the Holocaust with sensitivity and accuracy
  

For educators in Melbourne, this is more than a school trip—it’s an opportunity to inspire critical thinking, compassion, and global awareness in the next generation.

“After visiting the exhibition, my students were genuinely moved and asked some of the most thoughtful questions I’ve ever heard,” said a Year 10 history teacher from a local public school.

Each of the seven children featured in Hidden has a story that will stop you in your tracks. One child remained hidden at a Catholic convent where he pretended to be an orphan throughout two years. He and his siblings hid in an underground bunker located deep within the woods while they stayed hidden during daytime hours.

At 93 years old the elderly woman lives in Caulfield as she describes the Dutch family who rescued her by giving her new names and protecting her identity. Today visitors can see both the diary and a pair of shoes from that time at the museum.

The eyewitness accounts stem from a place that remains close across the ocean. These personal accounts belong to the individuals who live beside you and the older family members of your friends and the staff who run the bake shop.

Planning Your Visit to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum (Hidden Exhibition )

If you’re looking for meaningful things to do in Melbourne in 2025, this exhibition should be at the top of your list.

📍 Location:
Melbourne Holocaust Museum
13–15 Selwyn Street, Elsternwick VIC 3185

🗓️ Exhibition Duration:
Now open through May 31, 2025

🕒 Opening Hours:
Sunday – Friday: 10am to 5pm (Closed Saturdays and Public Holidays)

🎟️ Entry:
Admission is free, but pre-booking is encouraged through the museum’s website.

♿ Accessibility:
Fully accessible with wheelchair access and assistive listening devices available.

Combine your visit with a stroll through Elsternwick’s cafes and Jewish bakeries, or plan a day around other cultural hotspots in the area.

Support Holocaust Education in Melbourne

The Hidden exhibition is part of the museum’s broader mission to keep Holocaust education alive in Melbourne. You can support this mission by:

• Donating to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum
  
• Volunteering as a guide or education assistant
  
• Encouraging your child’s school to arrange a group visit
  
• Sharing your experience on social media to raise awareness
  

Your involvement ensures that Melbourne remains a city that never forgets—and always learns.

A Must-See Before It Ends – Hidden Exhibition

In a world of distractions, Hidden Exhibition Seven Children Saved reminds us of what truly matters – Seven Children Saved reminds us about brave acts and remembering events alongside showing how compassion between people affects the world.

This exhibition stands as a once-in-a-lifetime chance for residents of Melbourne to discover its valuable heritage.

“Their stories were once hidden. Now they must be heard.”

By Everything in Melbourne